A towbar is an accessory installed at the rear of a vehicle to connect it with a trailer or other towing equipment. It is commonly used for towing trailers, boats, or other payloads. Known by various names such as tow hitch, trailer hitch, or ball mount, the towbar is essential for safe and efficient towing.
When choosing a high-quality towbar, consider the following factors:
1. Material Thickness
The thickness of the materials used in a towbar significantly impacts its strength and safety.
(1) Thickness of Steel Tubing
- High-standard steel tubing should have a thickness of at least 4.5 mm to support towing forces and loads effectively.
- Thin steel may work initially but could deform or tear after repeated use, leading to accidents.
How to Identify Steel Tubing Thickness:
- Thick Steel Tubing: The corners of the tubing will appear rounded.
- Thin Steel Tubing: The corners will form sharp 90-degree angles.
(2) Thickness of Brackets
- Brackets connect the steel tubing of the towbar to the vehicle.
- High-quality brackets should have a thickness of at least 8 mm and be designed with reinforcement ribs to absorb bending forces during turns.
2. Safety-Oriented Design
A well-designed towbar ensures durability and safety during real-world usage.
(1) Reinforcement Ribs
- These ribs absorb bending forces during left or right turns, preventing the vehicle’s chassis from deforming.
- They are typically located in two key areas:
- At the bracket
- At the joint between the bracket and the steel tubing
(2) Safety Chain Mounts
- Safety chain mounts are additional safety features located on the sides of the ball mount.
- If the trailer detaches from the ball mount, the safety chain will hold it in place to prevent accidents.
3. External Features and Standards
(1) Weld Quality
- A strong towbar must have clean, uniform welds at all connection points to prevent tearing or failure during towing.
(2) Surface Preparation and Coating
- The towbar should be coated with Powder Coating, which is durable, scratch-resistant, and rust-proof.
(3) Ball Mount Size
- The standard ball mount size is 2 inches (50 mm), compatible with most trailers. This ensures ease of use without additional modifications.
(4) Plug Compatibility
- A high-quality towbar should support the installation of various 7-way plug types. For example, LWN4x4 towbars support three types of 7-way plugs for diverse towing needs.
(5) Easy Installation and Vehicle Fit
- Towbars should be easy to install without significant modifications to the vehicle.
- Pickup Trucks: The towbar should fit neatly under the rear bumper.
- SUVs: The towbar should be installed under the plastic bumper without cutting or damaging the vehicle.
4. Brand Reputation and Reviews
To minimize the risk of purchasing a substandard towbar, choose a reputable brand. For example:
LWN4x4
- A trusted Thai brand with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry.
- Specializing in manufacturing high-quality towbars for 15 years.
- Products are made from thick, durable steel, ensuring safety and reliability during towing.
LWN4x4 towbars: High-quality, Thai-made products for all your towing needs!
You can browse LWN4x4’s towbar products by clicking on the red text below.
All Towbar LWN4x4
